Uneku Saliu-Atawodi is a global phenomenon. The first and only black female professional polo player and founder of the charity Ride to Shine, a nonprofit organization benefiting orphaned children by providing them an opportunity to participate in sports, including horseback riding, travel and for their education.Here, the Abuja, Nigeria native talks about her introduction to the mostly-male sport, business ventures and goals.
When were you introduced to polo?
I was introduced to the sport of polo quite young. My first fascination came when my family moved back from a post my father had been sent on in Pakistan. We returned to an Arabic-culture-influenced city in the north, Kaduna. Polo was a weekly ritual amongst families growing up. It was more common to go spend the day at a polo match than sit at home… The masses loved the game, too.
What made you fall in love with it?
The first time I watched it and saw the aggression and speed and love for the game the players had, I fell in love. Convincing my family to let me play was, however, a whole other story. It was greatly uncommon for females in that northern part of Nigeria to play the sport then. The Lagos city was more vibrant and “worldly,” and so some women had dabbled in it then.
Did you experience any resistance to your involvement in the sport?
Oh a lot! It was so awkward because the adults then were pretty straightforward about it, saying, “Neku, you cannot play cause you are a girl; go cook!” and “Neku, a woman’s place is not on the horse; you won’t get married” [laughs]. I think my fascination with polo grew from the resistance though. I was a curious child and constantly hearing about the miraculous story of my birth led me to believe that I was invincible…
Can you discuss some of your other business ventures and how you balance?
I love my nature-inspired boutique hotel and lounge in Abuja, the Bamboo Lounge. The name is inspired by the polo sticks made out of bamboo. I also work as a special duties officer at the Ministry that governs my nation’s capital. I feel like I help to bring world views and a new way of thinking to a sometimes archaic and bureaucratic way of doing things that African governments tend to stick to.
What has been the proudest moment in your career?
This year, being chosen to represent my country as a “Global Shaper” in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The global shapers are young entrepreneurs who the WEF deems positively shaping the future of the world we live in. To be chosen as a part of that organization as an equestrian who attended Business School, I was in awe that such a powerful body recognized my small achievements and chose me to represent them. For once, I was incredibly proud of myself and realized why my friends and family sometimes say they are proud of me.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome?
Getting over my insecurities and fears.
You have lived all over the world; how has that helped shape who you are today?
The world is fast becoming more and more globalized. Traveling around the world and living on my own since age 14 and playing polo in beautiful countries in the corners of the world starting at age 16 has really helped me to attain a globalized view way before my time.
What are your goals for your sports and business career?
I would love to spread the word that Polo is cool! [laughs] I hope to leave a positive impact on the world and lives on my kids at Ride to Shine – for them to come years later when I am old and bent over my dinner table, sit around it, and tell me their own stories from visiting the world, through traveling the world and gaining invaluable life experiences, too!
Can you share a lesson that you feel has been key to your success?
Never take your eyes off the ball!
What are you looking forward to accomplishing while in Atlanta?
I am looking forward to hosting a great day of polo on June 23 at the Atlanta Polo Club where we are hosting a picnic with an impressive polo match supported by strong equestrian heritage brands such as La Martina and Burberry to help raise awareness for my charity, www.ridetoshine.org, and help bring an awareness to African orphans.
